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12-01-09 Kensdock Report

On Thursday, December 3 at 10 a.m., the New Jersey Senate Environment Committee will meet in Room 10 on the third floor of the State House Annex in Trenton. At the top of the day’s hearing agenda is Senate Bill 2194 sponsored by Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May) and co-sponsored by Sen. Christopher “Kip” Bateman (R-Somerset), a bill which create a free recreational saltwater registry in New Jersey in order to comply with new federal fisheries guidelines for data collection.

As written S2194 would specifically direct the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in consultation with the Marine Fisheries Council, to establish and implement a registry program for saltwater recreational anglers modeled on the registry program to be established by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric

This bill will keep NJ in step with its reputation for investing in short term economic solutions. It will not provide the smart investment in the future of salt water fishing that a salt water license will provide.

New Jersey has between 800,000- 1.4 million NJ anglers depending on the year. That would generate about 40 million annually. New Jersey Anglers have lost about 100 million dollars of their far share of Federal excise tax funds due to the fact that New Jersey lacks a salt water license. Just this last year we lost millions of dollars in stimulus money and all the benefits to salt water fishing that went with it. Please take a look at states like Florida,SC and others that have had a Salt water fishing license in place for a minute.You will find excellent fishing and economic benefits that you will not find in NJ!! Why, because they have invested wisely in their recreation fishing resource via a salt water license. I am not surprised that the recreational fishing alliance {RFA}is opposed to a New Jersey salt water license as they always go for short term economic gain. It is time for New Jersey Anglers to invest in the future by supporting a salt water license. As the polls indicate NJ anglers would not mind kicking in a few dollars to improve their salt water fishing.

Update: guided weakfish trips available for 2015 season

The weakfish (sea trout) are the most prized fish here in Cape May county, NJ. The excitement and thrill of catching a tide runner weakfish is what saltwater fishing is all about !

Mako Shark fishing tips

A few basics to pay attention to when fishing for Mako sharks:
1) do not leave the dock without a Roffer's' report. I get one even though I have up to date reports from commercial fishermen. If you are fishing with a captain that does not know what a Roffer's report is chances are you are only going for a boat ride!
2) If you are going to compete in the tournaments invest in a Mako magnet they work! I have seen sharks, tuna and blues come right up and put their nose on the thing.
3) Makos return to the same wreaks and edges ever year, seek out information as to what areas hold makos when the conditions are right.
4) a crew with a plan. Every crew member should know how to leader a mako, gaff, shoot and run the boat.
5) the first boat on the structure has a significant advantage. Leave early and run hard!
6) stay on the structure! not almost on it !
7) make sure your bait is alive and your chum is fresh.